HUNTSVILLE, Ala — Drake State Community & Technical College has partnered with Floyd E. Tut Fann State Veterans Home to create a career pathway for certified nursing assistants and students.
Leaders from Drake State and the Honor Health Careers Program signed off on a memorandum of understanding and agreement.
This will allow students to look for more jobs and opportunities that could lead to a licensed practical nurse career.
"The need for health care workers continues to increase, and as our city grows, so does the demand. And so we are excited to have the [Honor Health Career Programs] to come alongside Drake State," said Drake State President Patricia Sims.
Leaders say they hope the partnership will also address the nursing shortage for long-term care.
"We hope that this is a new way to look at that approach. We believe in education. We believe in creating career pathways and we want certified nursing assistants to know they're not stuck. There is another way in order to grow your career,” said Honor Health Career Programs, Executive Director, Erin Fredericks.
To work with Tut Fann and reach out to them, click here or hhcppartners.com
Earlier this year Drake State Community and Technical College secured a nearly $75,000 grant to expand its Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program.
The school says these funds provide access to nursing careers. Funds will also be used for scholarships that will go toward books, equipment, supplies, tuition and fees, and uniform.
School leaders say more LPNs are needed at hospitals - especially during this pandemic.
“What we’re doing is opening doors to many disadvantaged students and many people who want an entry into health care but they’re not sure which route they can take,” said Dr. Alice Raymond, Drake State Health Sciences Director.
School leaders say the program will last for 12 months.
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